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Michael was held in high esteem across the county

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A tribute by Pat Favier

The death of Michael O'Donoghue (81), Killeen, Clonkeen on Thursday last, brings to an end a remarkable lifetime of community service in Glenflesk parish.

A dairy and sheep farmer, Michael joined the local branch of Muintir na Tire at a young age, later becoming an active member of the ICMSA.

As a representative of the ICMSA, Michael was twice elected to the board of Kerry Co-op. He promoted the establishment of local drama and light entertainment in the early '60s and '70s by helping to launch the Clonkeen Drama Group which subsequently evolved into the 'Tops of the Parish' and 'Tops of the Clubs'.

Michael's unparalleled contribution to community life in Glenflesk was particularly evident in his dedication to the GAA.

Since attending his first All-Ireland final in 1956 when he crossed the field from his home to board the train at Loo Bridge Station, Michael had been an indefatigable supporter of Glenflesk, East Kerry and Kerry teams for eight decades.

As a player, administrator, supporter and mentor Michael embodied all that is best in the GAA. He was the club's first chairman of Bord na nOg and he also served three terms as chairman of the senior board.

His greatest sporting satisfaction occurred in the year 2000 when the Sam Maguire cup was brought to Glenflesk by Seamus Moynihan and John Crowley, and later the same year when Glenflesk won the Millennium Cup.

During his first term as chairman Michael was conscious of the need to provide permanent playing facilities for the youth of the parish.

For many years the club had been dependent on the kindness of local farmers to provide a field for training and playing games.

The last temporary venue was at Murphy's field in Knockanes for which Michael secured the goal posts from his neighbour Jimmy Cronin. He oversaw the purchase and development of suitable grounds at Curreal and he was a proud man when St Agatha's Park was officially opened in 1976.

In a fitting finale, as Michael's remains were lowered to their final resting place in Killaha Graveyard under the shadow of O'Donoghue's Castle on Saturday morning, resounded the strains of 'Glenflesk of You We Are Proud'.

He was pre-deceased by his wife Anne (nee O'Driscoll) and sister Lily. He is sadly missed by this loving family, son Fionnan, daughters Mary, Sinéad, Mairéad and Michelle, daughter-in-law Alison, sons-in-law John and Peter, his grandchildren Alexandra, Buster, Isabelle, Shane, Abby and Luke, brothers Paddy and John, sisters Margaret, Kathleen and Anna, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Condolences to all the O’Donoghue family and may Michael’s soul rest in peace.

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Newstalk Summer Tour arrives in Killarney

Newstalk’s 2025 Summer Tour, in association with ESB, is making its way to Killarney this week, bringing live broadcasts from the town. On morning, Friday, June 20, Newstalk Breakfast with […]

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Newstalk’s 2025 Summer Tour, in association with ESB, is making its way to Killarney this week, bringing live broadcasts from the town.

On morning, Friday, June 20, Newstalk Breakfast with Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman will be live from the Café du Parc in the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, kicking off at 7 am.
Ciara and Shane are scheduled to speak with local Kerry figures and take a trip on Killarney’s jaunting cars to see the sights.
Kelly said: “I am so excited to head to Killarney. I have had some fantastic memories as a child visiting Kerry and can’t wait to go back for Newstalk’s Summer tour!”
Coleman added: “Kerry is a wonderful place to visit and I am looking forward to seeing its natural beauty, vibrant culture and rich history.”
The week-long tour is taking the full Newstalk experience to towns across Ireland, featuring live shows, special guests, and conversation.

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Ring of Kerry Cycle to honour founder Paddy O’Donoghue

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This year’s Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, scheduled for July 5, will be run in memory of Paddy O’Donoghue, a founding member of the event.

Mr O’Donoghue, aged 81, from Muckross, passed away following a road collision in Kilgarvan on Tuesday, this week.

Paddy was a retired Kerry County Council engineer, affectionately known as ‘Paddy the Engineer’.

He was a driving force behind the annual charity cycle since its inception in 1982, regularly participating and fundraising for various causes. Beyond his cycling contributions, the Glenflesk native was also a notable footballer, having been part of the East Kerry team that secured the first All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 1971.

Cathal Walshe, PRO of the Ring of Kerry Cycle said: “On behalf of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle I wish to extend sincere sympathy to Brenda and the O’Donoghue family on the sad and sudden loss of Paddy.

“He was a fantastic supporter of the annual charity cycle since it’s inception back in the 80s. A regular participant and wonderful fundraiser for whatever charity he chose. Paddy loved a challenge in whatever he undertook and was the epitome of what the event was all about. We miss the banter and craic but he won’t ever be forgotten. This year’s event will be dedicated to his memory on July the 5th. His likes will never be seen again. Slan Abhaile our friend.”

Tributes have been paid to Mr O’Donoghue, including from his local Glenflesk GAA club, who stated, “Glenflesk GAA would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Paddy O’Donoghue on his sad passing. He was a true Glenflesk stalwart as a player, mentor and lifelong supporter.”

Paddy is survived by his wife Brenda, children Florence, Áine, Denise, Brenda, Báirbre, Patrick, and Alice, 17 grandchildren, his brother John, sisters Margaret, Kathleen, and Anna, and a wide circle of relatives and friends.

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